Who is Wael Mohya, the new rising star courted by Morocco?

Born in Mettmann, Germany to Moroccan parents, Wael Mohya is considered one of the greatest hopes of his generation across the Rhine. Having joined Borussia Mönchengladbach’s youth academy in 2016, he climbed through all levels of the club before joining the first team last season.

Only 17 years old, the playmaker quickly caught the eye of Bundesliga scouts. In 15 league games (17 in all competitions), he has scored two goals and provided one assist in only 549 minutes played. Impressive numbers for a player his age. He even became the youngest player in the club’s history to play an official match.

From the Mannschaft to the Atlas Lions?

Up to now, everything seemed to point him toward Germany. A German international at youth levels, Wael Mohya has worn the colors of the Mannschaft for U16, U17 and then U18, notably scoring several goals in friendly matches.

But the tide has turned. According to information from the German daily Bild, the player reportedly declined his most recent call-ups with the German youth teams in order to prepare for joining the Atlas Lions. Still according to the same source, the prospect of playing in the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, influenced his decision.

An account specializing in news about the Moroccan Federation even specified that this choice dates back further, stating that Mohya wanted to represent Morocco well before the last World Cup began, and that his application to switch sports nationality should soon be finalized.

Morocco, a new haven for dual nationals

This case once again illustrates the rise of Moroccan football on the international stage. After the 2022 World Cup semifinals and the quarterfinals in 2026, the Moroccan national team has become one of the most attractive projects for young players from the diaspora in Europe.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has already convinced several dual nationals in recent years thanks to a coherent sports project, institutional stability, and ambitious goals. The example of Ayyoub Bouaddi, who was quickly integrated and became one of the revelations of the 2026 World Cup, only strengthens this momentum.

If Wael Mohya’s choice is confirmed, it would represent another masterstroke for the Moroccan Federation, which continues to prepare for the future while benefiting from the good performances of the Atlas Lions on the international stage. A trend that could, in the long run, make things more difficult for some major European national teams eager to retain their talents of Moroccan origin.